“Miss, when are we going to learn African American History again? Do we have to wait for Black History month? I want to learn about Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, and Hariett Tubman?” Travante asked for the third time this week. It never surprised Daria each time the students asked about learning about African-American History. It also didn’t surprise her that they always wanted to learn about the holy trinity of Africa-American History. “First of all, let’s get this straight,” Daria said folding her arms across her chest. “African-Americans are part of the woven fiber of this country. Therefore, when I teach you, it will not just include Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Harriett Tubman.” “But Miss, they’re the reason we are free and can ride the bus,” Charlene said looking Daria straight in the eyes. “Let’s think about that statement,” Daria said with the students working hard on not getting frustrated. She’s not frustrated with the students. The frustrating part is that these students are now in the tenth grade and the only African-Americans they can name are the holy trinity. “But Miss,” Travante began, “I remember being taught that if it wasn’t for Martin Luther King none of us would have been free.” “Let me ask you all this, who is Malcolm X?” Daria asked “He was a slave, right?” June answered with seriously. “A slave? Why do you say he was a slave?” Daria asked really not understanding the response. “Because his last name is X and that was to get rid of his slave name,” June replied. Daria laughed aloud when she heard this. She really didn’t understand how June said that Malcolm X was a slave. This ignorance has to be stopped. Daria thought to herself. Excerpt from The Shoulders On Which I Stand
Posted on: Wed, 17 Dec 2014 00:53:35 +0000
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